The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is deep and multifaceted, defined by centuries of shared history and the two countries’ tight alliance. The newest development is that US President Joe Biden has declined an invitation to Britain’s King Charles’ coronation ceremony, which is set for May of this year. While this may surprise some, the White House has confirmed that First Lady Jill Biden will represent the United States at the event instead.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that the President had spoken with King Charles by phone, congratulating him on his upcoming coronation. The White House stated in a readout of the call that the President also reaffirmed the strong ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
In addition to Joe Biden’s absence, the White House announced that the First Lady, Jill Biden, will attend the coronation ceremony as a representative of the United States. The news about Joe Biden’s absence caused some speculation, especially given the expected attendance of several world leaders. However, US officials were prompt in clarifying that it is not unusual for a US president to miss a British monarch’s coronation, as no previous president has attended such an event.
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Image source: The International News
With the anticipation building for King Charles’ coronation, the news of the US President’s absence from the event is expected to generate some discussions and conjectures regarding the diplomatic repercussions of this move. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the President’s recent conversation with the new King indicates that the United States continues to value its enduring alliance with the United Kingdom and its royal family.
US President’s Relations with the Monarchs
The relationship between the presidents of the United States and the monarchs of the United Kingdom has a long and rich history, dating back to the American Revolution when the American colonies sought independence from British rule.
Since then, US presidents have had varying degrees of intimacy with UK monarchs, with some having stronger personal ties than others. President John F. Kennedy, for example, was known to have had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, and the two were said to have bonded over their shared love of horses.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was also close to King George VI, with whom he famously shared a hot dog during a visit to the United Kingdom.
In more recent times, President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II have been known to have a cordial relationship, and the two reportedly exchanged pleasantries during the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida.
President Joe Biden’s relationship with the UK monarchy is still in its early stages, having attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022 and called King Charles to congratulate him on his upcoming coronation.
While the relationships between US presidents and UK monarchs have changed over time, the two countries’ longstanding alliance has remained strong, and both sides have consistently emphasised the importance of their partnership.
Image Source: STV News
Why Biden won’t be attending the ceremony
According to recent reports, President Biden will not attend King Charles III of Great Britain’s coronation ceremony, despite the attendance of numerous global leaders. However, US officials have downplayed the possibility, claiming that no US president has ever attended the coronation of a British monarch. Instead, Jill Biden, the first lady, will represent the United States at the May 6 event, while President Biden has expressed a desire to meet with King Charles in the future.
King Charles and his wife are currently on a three-day visit to Germany but will return to the United Kingdom for his coronation in May 2024. Buckingham Palace announced earlier this year that the coronation will include both a solemn religious service and a pageantry celebration led by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
The most recent coronation was in June 1953, when King Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned. Jill Biden previously visited London in September to attend the late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, during which she spoke privately with King Charles about his mother. She acknowledged the human toll of grief, acknowledging the sorrow they must bear and the need for public mourning. Regardless, the first lady observed that they appear to be doing well.
